The Unicorn at The Vault Festival 2023

I have had the pleasure of viewing the one woman play, “The Unicorn”, performed by Alice Lamb and directed by Offie-Award Finalist Tom Brennan. This play is an unmissable new production from award-winning writer Sam Potter, based on real-life experiences of a woman who became addicted to sex following a stressful event in her life.

The play begins with Andrea, a woman who has just been fired from her job and is overwhelmed by feelings of frustration and depression. Andrea attempts to combat her loneliness through casual sex, but what starts as a distraction soon threatens to take over her life. The Unicorn tackles several taboo subjects including female sexuality, grief, and addiction. The writer, Potter, expertly utilises theatre as an amazing genre for tackling complex topics, and the play’s potency and electric charge create a unique space for the audience to experience these themes.

The Unicorn’s journey from a 15-minute monologue to a full-length one-woman show is a testament to Potter’s talent as a writer. She successfully navigates the taboo subject of female sexuality, which is still a societal double standard, in addition to exploring sex addiction in a way that challenges stereotypes. Sex addiction is often dismissed as a non-condition, but the play treats it as a real condition that many people struggle with, particularly women who feel shame and are unable to speak openly about it.

Lamb’s performance is powerful, and she has an incredible vocal strength to deliver the fast-paced dialogue required of the script. Her portrayal of Andrea is honest and raw, which is why the play should certainly resonate with many people who have had similar experiences. Although The Unicorn is a play about addiction, it does not approach sex as the problem. Rather, it explores Andrea’s relationship with sex and her need to push herself more and more to get that ‘hit’ that is unhealthy.

I would recommend this play to anyone interested in the complexity of human experience. It’s a brilliantly crafted production that tackles difficult themes with sensitivity and intelligence. The Unicorn is a thought-provoking, honest, and engaging performance that invites its audience to understand the reality of sex addiction in a way that is respectful and illuminating. I congratulate Sam Potter, Alice Lamb, and Tom Brennan on this extraordinary production, and I look forward to seeing more of their work in the future.

Cast & Creatives

A brilliantly crafted production tackling difficult themes

Summary

I would recommend this play to anyone interested in the complexity of human experience. It’s a brilliantly crafted production that tackles difficult themes with sensitivity and intelligence.

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